Why Delta State Needs A Bigger Runway At Osubi Airport And Why Minister Festus Keyamo Must Act Now

-by Zik Gbemre

When you travel through Delta State, one thing becomes clear very quickly: Osubi Airport is the true commercial pulse of the region. Located right in the heart of Okpe Local Government Area and serving Warri, Effurun, and surrounding communities, Osubi is far more than an ordinary local airport. It is a vital gateway for business owners, energy workers, families, and traders across the Niger Delta.

First, we must appreciate the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, for ensuring that the airport is properly identified and acknowledged as Osubi Airport rather than grouped under generic labels. Proper recognition matters because it honors the land, the people, and the strategic identity of the community host.

However, recognizing the airport is only the first step. The biggest challenge holding Osubi Airport back today is the length of its runway and that is why we must keep encouraging Minister Keyamo to finish what has been started before May 29, 2027.

The Big Problem: A Runway That Is Too Short
When Shell built Osubi Airport back in 1999, it was designed primarily as a private airstrip for smaller oil company planes and helicopters. Because of that, its usable runway was kept to just 1.8 kilometers.

Fast forward to today: Osubi is no longer just a private airstrip. It is a full commercial destination with thousands of passengers flying in and out. But that 1.8-kilometer runway has become a massive bottleneck:

. Bigger Planes Cannot Land: Popular medium-to-large commercial aircraft (like Boeing 737s) require a longer runway typically 2.5 kilometers or more to land and take off safely with full passenger loads and baggage.
. Higher Ticket Prices: Because major airlines cannot bring in their larger planes, overall passenger seats remain limited. When demand is high and seats are few, ticket prices skyrocket.
. Fewer Flights and Delayed Growth: Airlines have to restrict how much fuel or luggage they carry, which limits daily flight schedules and slows down regional business.
Osubi Belongs at the Center, Not on the Sidelines
Osubi is centrally located. It has the passenger traffic, the commercial interest, and the geographical location to serve as a major aviation hub for the entire region. Treating it like an "ordinary" small airport ignores its real potential.

The good news? The land needed to extend the runway is already available. The initial layout and site plans accounted for future expansion, meaning land acquisition is not a barrier. What is needed now is straightforward: physical construction, pavement laying, and updated airfield lighting.

The Call to Action: Upgrade Osubi Before May 29, 2027
Upgrading the Osubi runway to international standard length (at least 2.5 kilometers) will immediately transform travel in Delta State:

1. More Airlines & Lower Prices: Larger planes will be able to fly in, increasing competition and lowering ticket costs for everyday travelers.
2. Night Operations & Safety: Expanding the runway footprint allows for better lighting and landing systems, making flights safer and opening the door for round-the-clock operations.
3. Economic Boost: A thriving airport hub attracts investments, creates jobs, and boosts local commerce for surrounding communities.
Minister Festus Keyamo has the authority and the regional understanding to make this a reality. Delivering a fully upgraded, standard commercial runway at Osubi before May 29, 2027, will leave an enduring legacy for the people of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta.

Let us keep pushing, reminding, and urging the Ministry of Aviation to do the needful. Osubi is ready for takeoff, it just needs the runway to match its potential.

Zik Gbemre
September 26, 2026

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